As a 14 year old, I was visiting relatives in Melbourne when war was declared on Sept. 3rd 1939. It was generally thought that the war would be much like the Great War of 1914 - 18 which was still fresh in the memories of adults of the time. After a period called the "phoney war", everyone was shocked by the rapidity with which Germany overwhelmed Western Europe and Britain, with the support of its Empire, stood alone.
Although the attack on Pearl Harbour is recorded as Dec 8 1941, it was December 7 in Australia because of the time difference. Australia was already heavily involved with the war in Europe. Two weeks after Pearl Harbor, I completed formal education and commenced working in a local Bank. Farming was a reserved occupation. Farm workers were not permitted to enlist. I don't think my parents realized the implications which would follow when I did not start working on the farm.
Training was over and the big adventure was about to begin. Rumours about our next posting were the main topic of conversation but we had not yet learned to expect the unexpected.
We find ourselves in familiar places where there are events that will be among the most momentous in history. It is only the luck of the draw that decides who will be in it and who will not survive.
Another little surprise is in store for us. After a brief encounter with Australia's most famous bomber squadron, my journey leads to exotic places that I had never dreamed of seeing.
An Operational Training Unit was the final step before operational duties although in a few exceptional circumstances, gunners and wireless operators skipped this step. Despite all the time spent on aircraft recognition, I had never even heard of the type of aircraft to which I was about to be assigned.
The war in Europe is over Japan is yet to be subdued but millions of people are on the move - there are not the ships to carry them and the needs of some are more pressing than others.